The award-winning, record-breaking, Canadian comedy institution THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES, is back for its 22nd year beginning Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 8:30 p.m. (9 p.m. NT) with more savage satire each week. This season promises to be bigger than ever with special guests, live events, an hour-long retrospective special and a nation-wide contest in addition to weekly episodes on CBC-TV.

Mark Critch, Shaun Majumder, Susan Kent and Cathy Jones return to bring their unique brand of comedy to the beloved 22 MINUTES program that has kept Canadian viewers laughing (and Canadian politicians cringing) since 1993. This season’s schedule includes 19 new episodes plus the retrospective special.

The first season cast included Rick Mercer, Greg Thomey, Mary Walsh and Cathy Jones, who continues on the series. Other Canadian comedy standouts to grace the 22 MINUTES anchor desk over the past 22 years include Colin Mochrie, Gavin Crawford, Geri Hall, Jonathan Torrens, Jennifer Robertson, Kathy Greenwood and many more.

In honour of the iconic comedy’s 22nd year, CBC is celebrating THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES throughout the season with live events and a retrospective TV special. CBC will host a star-studded This Hour Has 22 Years – Live in Toronto event on Dec. 4th in celebration of the program, its stars, and the legacy it has built over the years as an anchor of Canadian comedy. This red-carpet event will feature some of the biggest names and brightest stars that Canada has produced in the world of comedy.

This Hour Has 22 Years – Live in Toronto is also featured in a newly launched #FALLforCBC Superfan social media contest. Between now and Nov. 23rd, viewers are encouraged to send a message to @CBC on Twitter or Instagram, using #FALLforCBC, explaining what makes them “fall for CBC” for the chance to win great prizes, including the grand prize of a VIP experience at the event on Dec. 4th, including flights and accommodations. Fans who include a photo with their message will also have the chance to see themselves on CBC during prime-time broadcasts throughout the fall season. For more information, visit cbc.ca/connects/contests.

A special retrospective episode of 22 MINUTES will air Tuesday, Dec. 16th, looking back at some of the best moments from the show over the past 22 years with interviews with cast members recalling what has made it a staple of the network’s schedule for more than two decades. In early 2015, 22 MINUTES will travel to Ottawa, the epicentre of Canadian politics, for a special live taping. More information about these events will be available in the coming weeks. Fans of the show can get their comedy fix between episodes by following @22_minutes on Twitter and @22minutescbc on Instagram, both using #22at22 and by liking 22 Minutes on Facebook.